Starting a New Student Organization

Baruch students are visionary and entrepreneurial, so it is no surprise that a number of new student organizations are started each year at the College. It takes a lot of work to get a new organization running, so make sure this is a commitment you are willing to take on. The process for starting a new student can be very time consuming. However, it is exciting for students that take on this journey and evolve as leaders.

The process to start a new organization has begun for Spring 2025. Please see below steps and deadlines for creating a new student organization.

Steps to Starting a New Club or Organization on Campus

1. Check to See if a Similar Organization Already Exists

There are a few steps to starting a new organization. First, and most importantly, you must verify if Baruch College has a similar organization registered with the Office of Student Life. To do this you can review the student organization directory found on MyBaruch or in the Office of Student Life. Your organization must be truly unique from other organizations on campus or you will be asked to join an existing organization.

2. Submit the “New Club Chartering” Form on MyBaruch

Fill out the “New Club Chartering” Form on MyBaruch. The form will be available from Friday, November 1, 2024–Monday, January 20, 2025. Once your New Club Chartering Form has been reviewed and approved, a student life advisor will contact you to schedule a meeting with them and a representative from your respective Student Government.

3. Meet with a Student Life Advisor

During this meeting, a student life advisor will walk you through the process and the different requirements you can expect during the chartering process. You will also have the opportunity to share more about your club idea and goals. You will work on scheduling events for the next semester and discuss the timeline of different requirements required for the Chartering process. It is important that you have all four E-board members (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer) present during this meeting. You will also be connected with Student Government who will help you during this process and prepare you for your final chartering presentation at the end of the following semester.

4. Host General Interest Meeting

• New Organization will host at least one general interest meeting on campus.
• This meeting will serve to inform potential members of the purpose of the club, upcoming events, etc.
• Attendance of the event must be taken.

5. Co-Host Event

• New Organization will host a co-sponsored event with a registered organization on campus.
• Attendance must be taken as you will be assessed by the increase of attendance numbers throughout the chartering process.

6. Host One Special Event

• New Organization will host one additional event.
• The event can be another co-sponsored event or hosted on their own.
• Attendance must be taken again at this event.

7. Table at the New Club Showcase

• Clubs who are chartering will be required to participate in the Club Showcase which will take place in the beginning of the semester of your chartering. You will book your table during your initial meeting with an advisor.

8. Present to Your Student Government

Once you have fulfilled the requirements of the new student organization process, you will sit for an interview with the Office of Student Life and USG/GSA to review your total application.be scheduled to present your proposed club during one of the student government senate meetings where a final decision to charter your club will be made.

• Your 4 E-Board members must be present and actively participate in the 5-10 minute presentation.
• If approved, your organization will be chartered by the respective student government and become eligible for a budget.
• Once approved, your organization will follow the steps to register as an active club for the following semester.

New student organization applications are only accepted during a limited time period each semester. Please review the New Club Guide for deadlines.

Important notes:

• The Office of Student Life reserves the right to review applications and send them back for revision if the nature of your organization is in direct conflict with CUNY policies.
• Academic Honor Societies or any organizations that relate to a Baruch College academic department (e.g., History, Finance, and French) must have a Faculty Advisor in addition to a Student Life Advisor.
• Sports and adventure-related organizations may not be approved due to risk management and liability insurance expenses.
• Attendance must be taken for each General Interest Meeting or Event.
• Flyers and any marketing (Instagram, Facebook, etc.) information must be provided to Student Life Advisor.

There will be no new membership intake process for social Greek Life Student Organizations until at least May 31, 2024 as noted in the “Extension of Moratorium on Greek Life at Baruch Until 2024” letter issued by Baruch College on June 14, 2021.

New Club Process Dates

Spring 2025

• New Club Chartering Form opens November 1, 2024.
• New Club Chartering Form closes January 20, 2025.
• New Club Showcase: TBD
• New Club Presentation to Student Government on Rolling Basis. This will be discussed individually with each prospective club.

New Student Organization Requirements

Before a new student organization presents to their respective student government for chartering they must have completed the steps listed previously as well as submit the following documents:

• Proposed Constitution
• Mission Statement & Goals
• Membership Roster (4 E-board Members & 6 additional students)
• 3 Sample Events

For more information on how to start a new club, please contact Stephen Palencia at stephen.palencia@baruch.cuny.edu.